Many conditions can cause pain in the sternum, including injuries, pneumonia, bronchitis, and costochondritis. Gastrointestinal problems, such as acid reflux, can cause pain behind the sternum.
People may believe that their sternum pain is a heart attack symptom. However, it is possible to differentiate the two.
In this article, learn about the causes of sternum pain and the differences between sternum pain and heart problems.
The sternum is a flat T-shaped bone that sits at the front of the chest and connects to the ribs with cartilage. It forms part of the rib cage, a series of bones that
People often refer to the sternum as the breastbone.
Sternum pain can result from problems with muscles and bones near the sternum, as well as the sternum itself.
Substernal pain is discomfort occurring behind or below the sternum. It often results from gastrointestinal conditions.
Some of the most common causes of sternum and substernal pain are:
- costochondritis
- sternum fracture
- sternoclavicular joint injury
- collarbone injuries
- muscular strain or bruise
- hernia
- acid reflux
- pleurisy
- bronchitis
- pneumonia
Costochondritis is inflammation of the cartilage between the sternum and ribs. The medical term for this area is the costochondral joint.
The symptoms of costochondritis include:
- sharp pain on the side of the sternum area
- pain that worsens with a deep breath or a cough
- discomfort in the ribs
Inflammation in the costochondral joint may occur due to injury, infection, or irritation. A person may experience costochondritis due to:
- impact trauma
- respiratory tract infections
- severe coughing
- physical strains
Like fractures in other parts of the body, sternum fractures can cause a lot of pain. Sternum fractures
People who believe they may have a sternum fracture should seek immediate medical attention in case of additional damage to the heart and lungs.
Symptoms of a sternum fracture include:
- pain during inhaling or coughing
- swelling over the sternum
- difficulty breathing
The sternoclavicular joint connects the top of the sternum to the collarbone. Injuries to this joint generally cause pain and discomfort at the top of the sternum in the upper chest area.
People experiencing sternum pain due to a sternoclavicular joint injury will
- mild pain or swelling in the upper chest area
- difficulty or pain when moving the shoulder
- popping or clicking around the joint
The collarbone connects to the top corners of the sternum by cartilage. Due to the direct connection between the two structures, injuries to the collarbone may cause pain in the sternum area.
Collarbone trauma
Impact and stress trauma can damage, or even fracture, a person’s collarbone. Collarbone trauma may affect its connection to the sternum and the surrounding musculature. This may mean a person feels pain either in or around their sternum.
Depending on the location of collarbone trauma, other symptoms may include:
- severe pain when raising the arm
- bruising or swelling in the upper chest area
- abnormal positioning or sagging of the shoulder
- clicking and grinding in the shoulder joint
A great many muscles connect to the sternum and ribs. Injuries or trauma can result in bruising these muscles, which may cause them to ache. Strenuous or repetitive movements can also cause strains in these muscles.
Most hernias occur in the abdomen. However, a hiatal hernia can affect the chest area and cause substernal pain.
A hiatal hernia occurs when the stomach moves past the diaphragm and into the chest. Symptoms of a hiatal hernia include:
People with substernal pain and symptoms of a hiatal hernia should see a doctor for prompt treatment.
Acid reflux happens when stomach acid wears away the lining of the windpipe (esophagus). This happens primarily in people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Acid reflux may cause substernal pain and discomfort in the chest.
Pain in this region can also result from inflammation or a spasm of the windpipe. People with GERD should talk with their doctor about preventing further damage to this area.
Learn the difference between heartburn, acid reflux, and GERD here.
Pleura are sheets of tissue between the lungs and ribcage. Inflammation to these tissues is pleurisy.
Pleurisy can cause a sharp, stabbing pain at the site of irritation, which may worsen if a person breathes deeply, coughs, or wheezes.
If inflammation occurs toward the upper middle chest, pleurisy may cause substernal pain.
Bronchitis is the inflammation of the primary airways of the lungs. The condition can cause:
- chest pain
- severe coughing spells
- shortness of breath
- wheezing
Inflammation of the primary airways may cause substernal pain.
Pneumonia is a common lung infection that causes air sacs in the lungs to inflame and fill with fluid. The medical term for these air sacs is alveoli.
Pneumonia can cause sharp chest pains, which a person may feel behind their sternum.
Other symptoms of pneumonia include.
- severe coughing
- shortness of breath
- fever
- sweating
- nausea and vomiting
- loss of appetite
- confusion
Infectious bacteria, viruses and fungi can cause pneumonia.
Symptoms of sternum pain vary depending on the cause. The most common symptom is discomfort and pain in the center of the chest, which is the location of the sternum.
Other associated symptoms may include:
- pain or discomfort in the ribs
- pain that worsens during deep breathing or coughing
- mild, aching pain in the upper chest
- swelling in the upper chest
- stiffness in the shoulder joints
- severe pain when raising the arms
- signs of collarbone trauma, such as bruising or swelling
- difficulty breathing
- grinding or popping sensation in joints near the sternum
- frequent belching
- heartburn
- feeling too full
- throwing up blood
People experiencing chest pain may worry they are having a heart attack. However, sternum pain differs from heart attack pain.
People who are having a heart attack experience specific signs before the heart attack itself, whereas most sternum pain starts suddenly.
A heart attack often occurs with the
- pressure, squeezing, or fullness in the center of the chest
- sweating
- nausea
- shortness of breath
- lightheadedness
However, anyone who thinks they are having a heart attack should seek immediate medical attention.
While sternum pain is not usually serious, there are some causes of sternum pain that require immediate medical attention.
A person should seek emergency medical attention if the pain:
- started as a result of direct trauma
- is accompanied by heart attack symptoms
- is persistent and does not improve over time
- is accompanied by intense vomiting or vomiting blood
A person should also speak to a doctor if the pain in their sternum gets worse or does not improve over time.
Physical trauma, costochondritis, and muscle strains are common causes of sternum pain.
Conditions such as pneumonia, pleurisy and GERD can also cause pain in nearby tissue that people may mistake for sternum pain.